In the present thesis, I used human dimensions and ecological research techniques to investigate whether recreational fishing poses a threat to American Eel (Anguilla rostrata), an Endangered species in the Canadian province of Ontario and globally (IUCN Red Listed as Endangered). Specifically, in Chapter 2 I explored angler perspectives and behaviour towards the American Eel through interviews. In Chapter 3, I evaluated the effects of simulated catch-and-release angling on American Eel, in terms of mortality and injury over a seven-day holding period. Almost all anglers (90%) who had captured eels in the Ottawa River, Ontario, had released them (Chapter 2), and eels were found to be relatively resilient to catch-and-release events (Chapter 3). Overall, my results suggest that recreational fishing does not pose a threat to American Eel, however this research is only a preliminary assessment and not all variables involved in a true recreational fishing scenario were examined.